Spring 2016 Haute Couture: Ralph & Russo’s Delicate Femininity

A Ralph & Russo woman is above all a lady, poised and graceful, elegantly perched on high heels, and fully embracing her femininity.

The backdrop to their Spring/Summer 2016 runway said it all, with pink cherry blossoms gently spreading over a white trellis: this was a collection inspired by a spring garden just starting to bloom.

PARIS, FRANCE - JULY 10: A model walks the runway during the Ralph & Russo show as part of Paris Fashion Week - Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2014-2015 at Pavillon Cambon Capucines on July 10, 2014 in Paris, France. (Photo by Richard Bord/Getty Images)

Reworking a 1950s hourglass silhouette with its nipped waist and round hips, designer Tamara Ralph sent down the runway a bevy of beautiful gowns and capes, some structured others fluid, but each one showcasing the craftsmanship of the brand’s atelier in London whether that is in embroidering micro-pearls, micro-pailettes, and petal-shaped feathers or pin-tucking ribbons of powdery shaded organza into geometric waves cascading into corolla skirt or train.

Ralph & Russo SS16

The opening look was striking with a generously proportioned silk ball gown decorated with hand-painted peonies and tulips mixed with other richly embroidered silk flowers. Elsewhere there were webs of Chantilly lace, silk chiffon as light as air, corseted bustier with a slightly pointed-bust shape, feathered boleros, and bell sleeves in a palette of delicate white, pink, and blue.

PARIS, FRANCE - JULY 10: A model walks the runway during the Ralph & Russo show as part of Paris Fashion Week - Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2014-2015 at Pavillon Cambon Capucines on July 10, 2014 in Paris, France. (Photo by Richard Bord/Getty Images)

The bridal gown had long kimono-like sleeves that matched and optically merged with a three-meter train embellished with pearls and crystals.

Of note is the brand’s new platform shoes heavily embellished on the heels with feather filigree.